Some natural cough remedies may be effective. However, it is important to remember that the U.S. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbs and supplements, people who use them may be exposed to low-quality products and impurities.
People who want to use natural cough remedies should look into different brands and sources. They should also be aware that certain herbs and supplements can interact with medications, resulting in unwanted side effects.
If a cough is severe or lasts more than a few weeks, it is critical to seek medical attention.
12 natural cough remedies
People try a variety of natural remedies to treat a persistent cough. We take a closer look at 12 of these remedies in this article.
1. Tea with honey
According to some studies, honey can help with coughs.
A study on nighttime coughing in children compared dark honey to the cough suppressant medication dextromethorphan and to no treatment.
According to the researchers, honey provided the most significant relief from coughing, followed by dextromethorphan.
Although the benefits of honey over dextromethorphan were minor, parents preferred honey over the other two interventions.
To treat a cough with honey, combine 2 teaspoons (tsp) with warm water or herbal tea. This mixture should be consumed once or twice a day. Do not give honey to children under the age of one year.
2. Ginger
Ginger, which has anti-inflammatory properties, may help relieve a dry or asthmatic cough. It may also provide relief from nausea and pain.
According to one studyTrusted Source, some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, potentially reducing coughing. More research is needed because the researchers focused on the effects of ginger on human cells and animals.
Add 20–40 grams (g) of fresh ginger slices to a cup of hot water to make a soothing ginger tea. Allow for a few minutes of steeping before drinking. To improve the flavor and soothe a cough, add honey or lemon juice.
Be aware that ginger tea can cause stomach upset or heartburn in some people.
3. Fluids
Staying hydrated is critical for those suffering from a cough or cold. According to Trusted Source, drinking liquids at room temperature can help with a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
People who have additional cold or flu symptoms may benefit from warming up their beverages. According to the same study, hot beverages relieve even more symptoms, such as a sore throat, chills, and fatigue.
The symptom relief was immediate and lasted for a long time after the hot beverage was finished.
The following hot beverages may be soothing:
- broths that are clear
- teas with herbs
- black tea without caffeine
- hot water
- fruit juices that are warm
4. Steam
A wet cough, which produces mucus or phlegm, may benefit from steam. Allow the bathroom to fill with steam after taking a hot shower or bath. Stay in this steam for a few minutes until your symptoms have subsided. After that, drink a glass of water to cool down and prevent dehydration.
Create a steam bowl instead. Fill a large bowl halfway with hot water. Add herbs or essential oils like eucalyptus or rosemary to help with decongestion. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. This holds the steam in place. For 5 minutes, inhale the vapors. If the steam feels hot on your skin, stop using it until it cools down.
People who have a wet cough or chest congestion may benefit from using a cool-mist humidifier or a steam vaporizer in their home, as recommended by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteTrusted Source (NHLBI).
5. Root of the marshmallow
Marshmallow root is a herb that has long been used to treat coughs and sore throats. Because of its high mucilage content, the herb can relieve coughing irritation. Mucilage is a gluey, thick substance that coats the throat.
According to one small study, a herbal cough syrup containing marshmallow root, thyme, and ivy effectively relieved coughs caused by common colds and respiratory tract infections. After 12 days, 90% of the participants rated the syrup's effectiveness as good or very good.
Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb and as a tea in a bag. Add hot water to either and drink immediately or wait for it to cool. The more mucilage in the drink, the longer the marshmallow root steeps in water.
Side effects may include stomach upset, which may be alleviated by drinking more fluids.
Marshmallow root can be purchased in health food stores or online.
6. Gargle with salt water
This straightforward remedy is one of the most effective for treating a sore throat and a wet cough. Salt water dissolves phlegm and mucus in the back of the throat, reducing the need to cough.
Half a teaspoon of salt should dissolve in a cup of warm water. Allow the solution to cool slightly before gargling with it. Allow the mixture to sit for a few moments at the back of the throat before spitting it out. Gargle with salt water several times per day until the cough goes away.
Younger children should not be given salt water because they may not be able to properly gargle, and swallowing salt water can be dangerous.
7. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples. It is most abundant in the fruit's core.
Bromelain is anti-inflammatory and may have mucolytic properties, which means it can break down mucus and remove it from the body.
Some people drink pineapple juice on a daily basis to reduce mucus in their throats and to suppress coughing. However, the juice may not contain enough bromelain to alleviate symptoms.
Bromelain supplements are available and may be more effective for cough relief. However, before trying any new supplements, consult with your doctor.
Bromelain can cause allergic reactions, and it can also cause side effects and interact with medications. Bromelain should not be taken by people who are taking blood thinners or specific antibiotics.
8. Thyme
Thyme has both culinary and medicinal applications, and it is commonly used to treat coughs, sore throats, bronchitis, and digestive issues.
In one study, a cough syrup containing thyme and ivy leaves relieved coughing more effectively and quickly than a placebo syrup in people with acute bronchitis. The plant's antioxidants may be responsible for its benefits.
To use thyme to treat coughs, look for a cough syrup that contains this herb. Make thyme tea by adding 2 teaspoons dried thyme to a cup of hot water. Allow for a 10-minute steep before straining and drinking.
9. Acid reflux dietary changes
Coughing is frequently caused by acid reflux. One of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that comes with it is to avoid foods that can cause acid reflux.
Each person may have different reflux triggers that they must avoid. Those who are unsure of what is causing their reflux can start by removing the most common triggers from their diet and monitoring their symptoms.
Acid reflux is most commonly caused by the following foods and beverages:
- alcohol
- caffeine
- chocolate
- foods containing citrus
- foods that are fried or fatty
- Onions and garlic
- mint
- spices and hot foods
- tomatoes and tomato-based items
10. Elm (slippery)
Native Americans used slippery elm bark to treat coughs and digestive issues for centuries. Slippery elm, like marshmallow root, contains a high level of mucilage, which aids in the relief of a sore throat and cough.
Add 1 teaspoon of slippery elm dried herb to a cup of hot water to make slippery elm tea. Allow at least 10 minutes to steep before drinking. It is important to note that slippery elm can interfere with medication absorption.
Slippery elm powder and capsules are available in health food stores and online.
11. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
NAC is an amino acid supplement derived from L-cysteine. By reducing mucus in the airways, taking a daily dose may reduce the frequency and severity of a wet cough.
According to a meta-analysis of 13 studies, NAC can significantly and consistently reduce symptoms in people with chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the airways that results in mucus buildup, coughing, and other symptoms.
The researchers recommend a daily dose of 600 milligrams (mg) of NAC for people who do not have an obstruction in their airway, and up to 1,200 mg for those who do.
Hives, swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing are all possible side effects of NAC. Anyone thinking about taking this approach should consult with a doctor first.
12. Probiotics
Probiotics do not directly alleviate coughing, but they may strengthen the immune system by balancing the bacteria in the gut.
A strong immune system can aid in the fight against infections and allergens that may be causing the cough.
According to researchTrusted Source, one type of probiotic, Lactobacillus bacteria, has a minor benefit in preventing the common cold.
Lactobacillus and other probiotic supplements are available at health and drug stores.
Some foods are naturally high in probiotics, such as:
- soup with miso
- yogurt that is natural
- kimchi
- sauerkraut
The number and diversity of probiotic units in foods, on the other hand, can vary greatly. Probiotic supplements, in addition to eating probiotic-rich foods, may be beneficial.
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